Royals fans Mr Pinky and his owner Tim Wheeler were left disappointed by the weekend’s result but still hope Reading remain in the Premiership – by a whisker.

Lifelong fan Mr Wheeler took his nine-year-old feline friend to Madejski Stadium on Saturday and spoke to hundreds of fans with words of support from him and his well-travelled puss.

Mr Wheeler said: “Mr Pinky and I had a great time, although we were left somewhat disappointed by the result.

“We had a wonderful reaction from the crowds who came over and chatted to us and were very taken by Mr Pinky.

“We even had the pleasure of meeting Mr Pinky’s hero Marcus Hahnemann.

“He came over and spoke to us and I told him how Mr Pinky likes to play in goal with a ping-pong ball, and he laughed and said he was probably a better goalie than him!”

Mr Wheeler, who normally takes Mr Pinky around with him on his bike, had travelled to the football ground on the bus from his home in Tilehurst and the pair had to head home after kick-off as they were not allowed in the stadium.

Mr Wheeler said: “We are hopeful that we will not be relegated.

“Derby are a weak side, but unfortunately we are now too but we have our fingers crossed and will be cheering them on.”